Clothing and Equipment

These are the required items needed to participate in an official AIDS/LifeCycle training ride:

Bicycle (mechanically safe and in good working order)

Helmet (ASTM, Snell, ANSI or CPSC approved)

2 Water bottles (one filled with an electrolyte replacement drink) OR 1 hydration pack (like a Camelbak), plus a bottle filled with an electrolyte replacement drink.

Bike frame pump or CO2 cartridges

Patch kit or spare tube that will fit your tire size.

Tire irons

Recommended Equipment

Useful and nice to have, but not mandatory:

Bicycle multi tool

Bike seat bag (to carry multi-tool, tire irons and patch kit/tubes)

Sunscreen

Hand wipes or hand sanitizer

Lip balm w/ sunscreen

Band-Aids

Bike computer

Clipless pedals

Sunglasses

You might have noticed that many cyclists have a fondness for spandex and polyester, but rest assured, there is a logical explanation for the clothing and equipment used by riders. While the prospect of outfitting yourself with gear for AIDS/LifeCycle may seem overwhelming, you don’t have to “break the bank” to ride safely and comfortably.

Remember that many of our Community Supports Partners offer discounts on everything you will need. There are also avenues for purchasing used items. It’s not necessary or even advisable to run out to your local bike shop to purchase all of your clothing and equipment before you do a few training rides and find out exactly what you will need. If you’re on a strict budget, contact your Cyclist Representative for advice.

Clothing

Choosing the right clothing is an individual and personal process. There is a wide variety of clothing styles available to suit every taste. Clothing that is comfortable to wear for everyday exercise (quick-drying, cooling, etc) is a great place to start. Try wearing that clothing when you are out on your first couple of rides and ask the veterans and Training Ride Leaders about their experience with the apparel they use.

If you are used to riding in street clothes, then make your choices based on comfort. Keep in mind, however, that as you increase your mileage to over 50, 70 and even 90 miles, street clothing may not seem as comfortable to you as it does in the first twenty miles.

Cycling clothing is designed with comfort in mind and is made of quick drying synthetic fibers. The fabric will absorb sweat and draw it away from the body and the surrounding air will then allow it to dry quickly. Cycling shorts are also made of synthetic fiber and have padding within them to add to your comfort while sitting on a bike seat for many miles (not to mention hours!).

Since we ride and train through various climates, it will be important to do some research to find out what works best for you. Prepare for all weather conditions and plan to layer your clothing.